The Power of Kindness

A little bit of kindness goes a long way and no matter how big or small it usually does not go unappreciated. In the Carmi School District we promote "Random Acts of Kindness" trying to instill in the children the power of kindness at an early age. I am all for this behavior because the world could use a positive influence.

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By Erin Pennington

The Carmi Times - Carmi, IL

By Erin Pennington

Posted Dec. 21, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Updated Dec 21, 2012 at 4:09 PM

By Erin Pennington

Posted Dec. 21, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Updated Dec 21, 2012 at 4:09 PM

A little bit of kindness goes a long way and no matter how big or small it usually does not go unappreciated. In the Carmi School District we promote "Random Acts of Kindness" trying to instill in the children the power of kindness at an early age. I am all for this behavior because the world could use a positive influence.

I have been on the receiving end of little acts of generosity and it always made my day. Once when I was crossing the bridge in Mt. Vernon, Ind., the person in front of me paid my toll. I didn't know them and they didn't know me so it was such a surprise. Another time I was in McDonald's drive-thru and my landlord was in front of me and he bought my meal because I was next in line behind him. It was a fun gesture and I did appreciate it.

Last year before I left the high school one of my students brought me two vintage tea cups and a mason jar full of flavored tea bags. She included a note that said, "Thank you for everything you have done for me. I will miss you next year." I cried! Children are a lot like animals in that they only lavish love and attention on people that mean the most to them, so you should never take their affection for granted.

Now, a brief story about how kindness can change the dynamics of a relationship. Years ago when my daughter and I moved into a new neighborhood, we had some neighbors that were less than friendly. They seldom waved and never spoke. One winter day while shoveling the drive with a plastic shovel my shovel broke. I had to get to the store on one of the first days that the drive had thawed. I didn't know what else to do so I asked to borrow their snow shovel and promised to bring it back directly. Oh my! They were not thrilled to help. However, they agreed and the job was done. I thanked them and returned the shovel. A few weeks later I baked some homemade blueberry muffins and told my daughter to take the neighbors some. She said, "Are you even kidding me Mom? They are not even nice to us. They are grouchy." I told her that in that case they needed the muffins more than anyone else and I told her to watch what happens. She took them over and that was it. After that, they spoke and waved and always looked out for us from that point on.

Kindness has often been described as a "ripple effect." Its overall influence can never be fully measured because you don't know where the influence will stop. A smile, a hello, a sincere compliment never costs anyone anything. Try performing a random act of kindness today and two lives will be blessed for it...yours and theirs.